Mr. Adrian Abernathy
Head of Extracurricular Activities
North End School
El Paso, TX 78888
Dear Mr. Abernathy:
My name is Cameron Smith, and I am currently in 7th grade here at North End School. I believe our school would benefit from a makerspace, so I am asking for your help in establishing one. Makerspaces are inspiring hubs of activity where people can design, experiment, and invent using a range of technology. A makerspace at North End would help students learn about technology through hands-on practice. Our school could use a makerspace for special projects in science, art, and math, and we could also use it for an after-school club.
In addition to creating a multi-purpose space for students to use now, makerspaces can help my class succeed in the future. For example, a recent report from the New Media Consortium says, “Schools are turning to makerspaces to facilitate activities that inspire confidence in young learners, and help them acquire entrepreneurial skills that are immediately applicable in the real world.” This speaks to me because my dream is to be a shoe designer when I grow up. Learning more about digital art and computer-aided design can help me achieve this dream. Similarly, makerspace at our school can help other students at North End pursue interests that can lead to great futures—something we all want. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in STEM are increasing by about 1 million from 2012 to 2022. Since the industry is experiencing a growth spurt, the time to act is now. Our 7th grade class may have a number of future stars in new technology, but without a makerspace we might not reach our potential. Imagine feeling like we left this class behind at a critical turning point.
In a time of limited budgets, you may think that establishing a makerspace would be an expensive distraction that does not represent an appropriate use of resources. While I acknowledge this is a relevant objection, I believe we can make this work. The key is to start small. The sitting area next to the computer lab in our school library provides a natural place to begin. With a computer attached to a whiteboard, a few reference books, and a bin of cardboard and art supplies, we would have a start. I am willing to help lead a community fundraiser, write a grant, or start a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to purchase 3D printers and other technology to help our makerspace grow. The possibilities are great. However, the main thing is to take a first step and start a makerspace at our school.
Thank you very much for your consideration. I look forward to corresponding further with you, and I truly hope that we can set up a meeting to discuss a makerspace. Please let me know what the next steps are regarding the possibility of a makerspace at North End.
Respectfully,
(Signature)
Cameron Smith